Sparkle? The sheen's not so bright but, yes, there is a certain luminescence.
Whatever its intensity, there is zilch that's progressive about this straight guitar-driven rock album from Italian trio Johnfish Sparkle. No-one, not even the most outlandish contributor to all the interminable message-board debates about "what is prog?" could ever say that there was even a scent of it on this album.
That aside, it is actually a more than half-decent album of guitar driven rock. The comparisons may not be brilliant, but it reminded me of some of Ryan Adams's solo output (Rock 'n' Roll) as well as, occasionally, some of Randy California's, although I think, particularly in this latter regard, I am being a little generous. It is an album for those in a cheerful disposition, alternating catchy rhythm guitar riffs with short lead soloing. The singer is good, too. Good, fun, uncomplicated music - lots to be said for that!
This Italian trio were formed from the remnants of a band that are unknown to me, JackyJail. They comprise Al Serra on vocals and guitars, Dave Perilli on bass and the unlikely named RobGasoline on drums.
There's little to make individual songs stand out from the pack. "How Many Miles?" is possibly the catchiest of the bunch and "Tale of a Lonely Man" has a different texture due to the use of acoustic rather than electric guitar. Other than that, it's all part of the general melting-pot! It's enjoyable, I'll certainly play it again, but it ain't progressive and it ain't brilliant. If you enjoy the kinds of artists I've alluded to above though, it may pay you to visit their MySpace site and listen to a few samples.
Track Listing:-
1) Freedom at Last (6:12)
2) Feelin' Down (4:21)
3) Hey Man (4:06)
4) We Never Know (4:45)
5) Tale of a Lonely Man (5:04)
6) How Many Miles? (4:00)
7) Down in Mexico (4:57)
8) Mr. Window (3:10)
9) Dance Into the Fire (4:29)
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